Lighthouse Public Affairs

🚆✨ Reflecting on an Exciting Milestone with Caltrain!    We’re thrilled to share that Caltrain recently celebrated the debut of its cutting-edge electric fleet, marking a major milestone in public transportation for San Francisco and along the Peninsula. The VIP tour on August 11th offered a glimpse into the future of zero-emission public transportation, featuring a 30-minute round-trip experience from San Francisco for a range of key stakeholders including federal, state, and local officials and leaders in transportation, business, labor, and the community.   With the official launch of regular electric service underway and full electrification set for September 21st, Caltrain will deliver faster, more frequent, and environmentally friendly travel. The new fleet is revolutionizing commuter experience with travel times between San Francisco and San Jose reduced to under an hour, a 20% increase in service frequency, and trains running every 15-20 minutes at peak times.   This transition to electric trains is a game-changer for our climate goals, reducing carbon emissions by 250,000 metric tons annually—equivalent to taking 55,000 cars off the road each year. The trains will also reduce noise pollution while enhancing access to transportation for priority equity communities.   We’re proud to have supported this landmark project and look forward to seeing its continued impact on our community and the environment. 🚉🌍 #CaltrainElectrification #SustainableTransit #LPA #ClimateAction    Link: https://lnkd.in/gPYJ6mMZ

Exciting developments in San Jose’s urban landscape! Check out this recent article showcasing the incredible efforts of our own Charles "Chappie" Jones, who is leading the charge on the Stevens Creek Promenade project.   In response to shifting market dynamics, the project is evolving from its original vision to include more affordable housing and a mix of retail, dining, and hospitality spaces.    Dive into the full story and see how this project is shaping the future of San Jose! #LPA 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gCCZ52HV

🌟 We’re thrilled to welcome Keshav Kumar to Lighthouse Public Affairs! 🌟 Keshav joins us with a wealth of experience in local public affairs, state government relations, and public-agency representation. His impressive background includes managing local affairs in the North Bay and executing statewide communication campaigns for the California Apartment Association. With a keen interest in local government, water, rental housing, and land use, Keshav brings valuable expertise in creating housing and water-delivery infrastructure improvements through both private- and public-sector collaborations. A native of Dunsmuir, California, he’s also an avid reader and can often be found exploring West Sacramento’s Bridge District or enjoying local coffee shops. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest Director, Keshav!

This week, Senator Ben Allen presented SB 1297 to the Assembly Transportation Committee, proposing a pilot program for automated speed camera enforcement on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. Hearing the testimony from survivors of traffic violence and those who have lost loved ones on PCH was incredibly moving. Many in the hearing room, including myself, were brought to tears. PCH through Malibu is notoriously one of the deadliest stretches of road in the United States. As a cyclist and someone who has worked in Malibu, I have witnessed these tragedies firsthand. These images do not leave me. I was so impressed by Bridget Thompson and Michel Shane, who courageously shared their personal losses with the committee. I am grateful to see SB 1297 successfully pass this critical hurdle and advance to the next policy hearing in July. I am extremely proud to lead the work at Lighthouse Public Affairs as we represent BLUELINE Solutions in the journey to advocate for statewide laws to implement automated speed enforcement in California. Special thanks to Move LA, Streets For All, and Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE) for their critical support for this bill. #TrafficSafety #AutomatedSpeedEnforcement #SB1297 #Malibu #PCH #RoadSafety

Lighthouse Public Affairs is proud to represent Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles! This past weekend, San Fernando Mayor Celeste Rodriguez hosted HHLA’s inspiring Power Women, Power Tools event. HHLA, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, is committed to creating affordable homeownership opportunities in the Greater Los Angeles area, where the median home price is nearing $1,000,000. Despite the challenges posed by the currently zeroed-out CalHome program in the 2024 state budget (the only funding source for affordable housing in the state), Erin Garrity Rank and her amazing team continue their invaluable work getting families into homes. Grateful to see two current local mayors (and future Assemblymembers!), Mayor Rodriguez and Burbank Mayor Nick Schultz who appreciate and understand the impact of affordable homeownership in their communities! #AffordableHousing #CommunityImpact #HabitatForHumanity

I met Bryan Wong when we were both in Sacramento with Habitat for Humanity California advocating for funds to be put back into the CalHome Program. The program was zeroed-out in January, while in 2023 the budget for the program was $350MM. This is the only funding for affordable housing in the state. Lighthouse Public Affairs is partnered with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to work with the City of Los Angeles, Caltrans, Maria Elena Durazo, and Wendy Carrillo to ensure that affordable homebuyers receive these properties as soon as possible. “In a very, very short period of time, this is going to be a new home for a new family,” Wong said. “It’s not just a home, it’s a future, it’s a cornerstone. It’s something that is going to change lives not just for that family, but it also goes to improve entire neighborhoods, the livelihoods of businesses in the area and everything in the area.”

Reflecting on an incredible week at our company retreat! Starting off with a thrilling Sacramento River Cats game, where we proudly represented on the field during the national anthem. The next day was filled with enriching workshops and a motivating session with special guest Alden Mills. Witnessing everyone come together, sharing ideas and laughter, was truly inspiring. Here's to the power of teamwork and unforgettable memories! Sacramento River Cats Alden Mills

We had a great win for my client the Oakland Ballers this week. Community engagement ✅ Council approval ✅ Permits ✅ License agreement ✅ and on track for opening day June 4th (all in less than 5 months). You can get things done in Oakland with the right team on your side! Give me a call, I’m here to walk you through how to get the tough ones through city processes from beginning through approval. Lighthouse Public Affairs Bryan Carmel Paul Freedman

This morning I testified at the California State Assembly Housing Committee on behalf of Spur Corporation, Power California, and Habitat for Humanity California in support of #AB2140. Assemblymember Juan Carrillo’s bill is an effort to study the feasibility of creating a state-led program to finance new homes for sale to low- and moderate-income families at the scale and size of our existing affordable rental financing programs. Lighthouse Public Affairs Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) YIMBY Action Abundant Housing LA CivicWell San Diego Housing Commission MidPen Housing Corporation

Registration for this WTS event is still open so be sure to RSVP by March 11th!